Houllier, who has a season left on his contract at Les Gones, has been linked previously with coaching Australia as well as a number of posts at European clubs over the last few weeks.

Recent comments after claiming the Coach of the Year award in Ligue 1, will have done little to keep the rumour-mongerers from his door.

"An award like this makes me want to stay on for a third year," he said. "I am happy here."

But he added: "All that I can say is that, for the moment, I am at Lyon.

"I am 60, I have to think about where my life is going. All I will say is that it isn't a question of money. If it was, I would go to Qatar.

"It is also necessary that I feel confident about the way I am working. I need that."

Jean-Michel Aulas reiterated his backing for Houllier, saying: "He is under contract and I want to keep him.

"I am totally satisfied with his work. I have always supported him - if he leaves, it will not be because of me."

Aulas added in L'Equipe, however: "If you are asking me if his departure would be a catastrophe, I say no. I am past the age of being worried."

Houllier has won the French title twice in his two years at the Stade Gerland.